PRIEST-RIDDEN, EXETER (& THE NATION!), 1843.

The Bishop of Exeter and his minions had been persecuting, in the opinion of The Western Times, the Reverend Henry Erskine Head, Rector at Feniton, for opinions he had published in the newspaper concerning what he saw as  inconsistencies in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.  This was seen as rebellion to the bishop's authority.   

Mr. Ralph Sanders, citizen of Exeter, was delegated to bring a complaint against the Reverend Henry Head to the clerical court, the Arches Court, which, predictably, condemned him .  He was to lose his benefice for three years and he was obliged him to pay the crippling costs of his case. 

On the 24th June 1843, The Times published this letter to the editor from A FRIEND OF LIBERTY:

 "I observe in the London papers that judgement has been given in this cause, and that Mr. Head is condemned to pay the costs of the suit, and suspended for three years.

"That such a sentence should be pronounced every liberal-minded man must regret, as well as for the cause of liberty, as that of true religion.

"Surely it is disgraceful that in this enlightened age a man should be persecuted, yes, absolutely ruined, for expressing his sentiments on the Common Prayer Book.  If the Common Prayer Book will not bear examination, it is unworthy to be read in the church.

Galileo was persecuted for uttering his opinions:  we readily condemn the authors and abettors of that persecution; and will not the public at once come forward and with one voice condemn the proceedings in this disgraceful suit, by raising such a subscription as will enable Mr. Head to pay the costs of the suit, and thus testify that they will not be priest-ridden.

"Surely the English of the 19th century will not stand still and suffer this matter to pass unnoticed?  If they do, must they be surprised at any step, however infamous, which may be taken to shackle and restrain their liberties." 

I am writing under the governance of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at a time, an enlightened age?, when punishing Englishmen for their opinions is back in fashion.  The last paragraph, substituting 21st for 19th, could apply to our current discontents.

My pet blasphemer, Tom Pooley (1857)  liked to compare himself to poor Galileo.